Nutrition

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities offers students a comprehensive education in the science of food and health, preparing them for diverse careers in the nutrition field. This program combines foundational knowledge in biological and social sciences with specialized coursework in human nutrition, dietetics, food science, and community health, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to promote health and well-being through proper nutrition. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through laboratory work, internships, and research projects, gaining practical experience that is essential for professional success. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, public health principles, and personalized nutrition counseling, enabling graduates to work effectively in clinical, community, or industry settings. The program also prepares students for advanced study in nutrition, dietetics, or related health sciences fields, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With access to cutting-edge facilities and faculty who are leaders in their fields, students are encouraged to explore various areas such as sports nutrition, metabolic health, pediatric nutrition, and disease prevention. The university’s strong connections with healthcare institutions, public health agencies, and food industries provide valuable internship opportunities and mentorship. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers as registered dietitians, nutrition educators, research scientists, or policy advocates. The program actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all students develop culturally competent approaches to nutritional care. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities cultivates knowledgeable, compassionate professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes through nutrition.

All major requirements must be taken A-F (unless only offered S-N), and students must earn a grade of at least C- or better.

Foundation Courses

• CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
• CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
• CHEM 1062 - Chemical Principles II [PHYS] (3.0 cr)
• CHEM 1066 - Chemical Principles II Laboratory [PHYS] (1.0 cr)
• CHEM 2301 - Organic Chemistry I (3.0 cr)
• BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry (3.0 cr)
• WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
• COMM 1101 - Introduction to Public Speaking [CIV] (3.0 cr)
• or AFEE 2421 - Professional Communication for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (3.0 cr)
• BIOL 1009 - General Biology [BIOL] (4.0 cr)
• ANSC 3301 - Human and Animal Physiology (3.0 cr)
• or PHSL 3051 - Human Physiology (4.0 cr)
• or BIOL 3211 - Physiology of Humans and Other Animals (3.0 cr)
• VBS 2032 - General Microbiology With Laboratory (5.0 cr)
• or MICB 3301 - Biology of Microorganisms (5.0 cr)
• or FSCN 2021 - Introductory Microbiology (4.0 cr)
• STAT 3011 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis [MATH] (4.0 cr)

Core Courses

All nutrition major students are required to complete these core nutrition-related courses.

• FSCN 1112 - Principles of Nutrition (3.0 cr)
• FSCN 3102 - Introduction to Food Science (3.0 cr)
• FSCN 3612 - Life Cycle Nutrition (3.0 cr)
• FSCN 4612 - Advanced Human Nutrition (4.0 cr)
• FSCN 4613 - Experimental Nutrition (2.0 cr)
• FSCN 4614 - Community Nutrition [SOCS, DSJ] (3.0 cr)
• FSCN 4621W - Nutrition and Metabolism [WI] (4.0 cr)

Interdisciplinary Learning

Course in the core curriculum which satisfy requirements for interdisciplinary learning.

• FSCN 1102 - Food: Safety, Risks, and Technology [CIV] (3.0 cr)

Experiential Learning

Course that fulfills the requirement for experiential learning.

• CFAN 3096 - Making the Most of your Internship (1.0 cr)
• or CFAN 2201 - Secure & Succeed in Internships (2.0 cr)
• or FSCN 2001 - Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives: A Food System Approach to Cooking (3.0 cr)

Upper Division Writing Intensive within the Major

Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.

Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:

• WRIT 3562W - Technical and Professional Writing [WI] (4.0 cr)
• FSCN 4621W - Nutrition and Metabolism [WI] (4.0 cr)

Requirements

• Completed Application for Admission
• $55 U.S. nonrefundable application fee
  If you apply online, you may pay the fee online using a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript from each secondary school/high school attended
  If you have graduated from high school/secondary school, the final school transcript must include grades through the end of the last year in school (equivalent to the 12th year of high school in the U.S.) and the year of graduation. If you were also issued a graduation certificate or leaving examination results, we must also receive a copy of this document. You may submit these documents online using our Secondary School Document Submission form.
• English proficiency test scores
  If your native language is not English, a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score is required. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota by the testing agency.

Scholarships

• The University of Minnesota offers a limited number of Global Excellence Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer international students studying on an F-1 visa and admitted for fall semesters. The Gold Global Excellence Scholarship awards the full difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen only) and the Maroon Global Excellence Scholarship awards 50% of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition (freshmen and transfer students). 
• New international freshman admitted to the University will also be considered for the Undergraduate Research Scholarship. Recipients receive $1,400 for participation in a faculty sponsored University of Minnesota research project and up to an additional $300 in support of supplies and expenses related to their research project.

The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human nutrition, dietetics, and food sciences. This program combines foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, and physiology with specialized classes in nutritional science, public health, and food systems. Students will explore topics such as metabolism, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, and nutrition counseling, preparing them for careers in healthcare, public health, food industries, or graduate studies. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including laboratory work, research projects, and internships. The program also fosters critical thinking and communication skills necessary to address dietary and nutritional issues in diverse populations. Students are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and community outreach programs to gain real-world experience. Graduates of the program often pursue careers as registered dietitians, nutrition educators, food policy advocates, or work in industries related to food safety and consumer health. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to extensive research centers, supporting students’ experiential learning. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, or public health nutrition. Students are advised to consult the university’s official website for detailed admission requirements, course registration procedures, and internship placement information. Overall, the Nutrition program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities prepares students to make meaningful contributions to health and wellness in a variety of professional settings.